Brahmi
Bacopa
monniera and Centella asiatica
In India, Bacopa monniera, known as
"Brahmi", is revered in the indigenous system of medicine
as a nerve tonic. In early literature, the name Brahmi was also used to refer
to another plant species. Centella asiatica
Linn., known as Indian penniwort. However, these plants are distinctly
different. The name Jala-brahmi or water-brahmi assigned to Bacopa monniera in
ancient Sanskrit writings provides the differentiation. The vernacular name
"mandukaparni", often confused with Brahmi, in fact refers to
Centella asiatica.
A
critical study of the comparative phytochemistry, pharmacology and therapeutic
properties of these two botanicals also support the view that they are
distinct:
The
Charaka Samhita considers them both to be promoters of cognitive functions, but
it suggests that Brahmi is superior to mandukaparni. Brahmi is used to treat
specific mental disorders such as insanity and epilepsy, while mandukaparni is
a general rejuvenative tonic which improves mental health.
Brahmi
promotes fertility and sustains implantation of the embryo in the uterus, while
mandukaparni tends to reject the embryo. This suggests that the plant materials
have opposite effects on uterine functions.
The
Sushruta Samhita defines the properties of the herbs. Brahmi belongs to tikta
rasa (bitter), while mandukaparni belongs to kasaya rasa (astringent).
Centella asiatica
INTRODUCTION
Centella asiatica is a small herbaceous annual plant of the
family Apiaceae, native to Asia. Also known as Gotu kola it has been used as a
medicinal herb for thousands of years in India, China and Indonesia. Its ability to heal wounds, improve mental clarity, and treat
skin conditions such as leprosy and psoriasis were important reasons for its
extensive use.
As per Ayurveda Gotu kola herb is one of the chief herbs
for revitalizing the nerves and brain cells; hence primarily known as a brain
food in India. Its has been used for the purposes like boosting memory, wound
healing, a mild diuretic, increasing concentration, alertness, as well as
anti-anxiety and anti-stress. It has also been used for centuries in the
treatment of liver and kidney problems.
Mandukaparni is one of the herbs mentioned in all ancient
scriptures of ayurveda. It is often confused with brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), as
Mandukaparni has synonyms like brahmi, brahma manduki, manduki, ekaparni etc.
Infact mandukaparni and brahmi are entirely different plants, though have
similar properties. Maharishi Charaka has categorized Mandukaparni as medhya
(intellect promoting) or nervine tonic and as vayahstha pana (promotes
longevity) and preserves youth. Bhavaprakasa has mentioned it as
divya mahousadhi-the divine great drug. Sushruta has cited it as an alleviator
of pitta dosha. Charaka has praised it to be an effective remedy for
tuberculosis with deviation.
The plant grows in moist places throughout India; it is
commonly seen in marshy banks of rivers, streams and ponds and irrigated lawns,
fields etc. It is also found in Sri Lanka and Madagascar.
The leaves are long-petioled, 1.5-6.5 cm in diameter, more rounded, with
toothed margins. The Sanskrit name Mandukaparni refers to the leaves of the
plant which resemble the claw of a frog. The flowers, minute, pinkish red, 3-6
in cluster. The fruit 8 mm long, like a grain of barley. The fruit 8 mm long,
like a grain of barley. 7-9 ridged.
The botanical name of Mandukaparni is Centella asiatica and
it belongs to family Umbelliferae, apiaceae. The glucosides,
brahmoside and brahminoside have been isolated with their gennin brahmic acid. The Madagascar variety contains different glycoside known as
asiaticoside, which is not found in Sri Lankan variety. But,
arelated compound, centelloside and triterpenic acids, centoic and along with
centellic acids have been reported (Indian J. Chem. Soc. 1956, 33, 893). The
sapogenins and flavonoid components were same in both varieties. A new
triterpene acid madasiatic acid – isolated and characterized. Also
polyacetylenes (I, II, III, IV and V) and nine other acetylenes isolated. Also,
madecassoside and asiaticoside isolated.
In
pharmacological and clinical trials Centella asiatica has been found to improve
the power of concentration and general ability and behavior of mentally
retarded children. The clinical trials demonstrated
that the extract increases the intelligence quotient in mentally retarded
children. In a clinical trial an Ayurvedic drug having Centella asiatica as one
of the main ingredients reported marked improvement is seen in children with
behavioral problems. It is found to improve short-term memory and learning
performance due to its possible nootropic action involving cholinergic and
GABAergic modulation.
